Cricut Explore 3 Review: The Crafting Side-Quest You Didn't Know You Needed

He yo, fellow gamer and chaotic creatives!

So picture this: you’ve just finished a sweaty, soul-crushing round of browser games (shoutout to all the Candy Crush grinders out there), and you’re staring at your screen like, “Man, what if I made something REAL today? Like… with my hands?”

Enter: the Cricut Explore 3.
Yeah, it’s technically a “crafting machine,” but honestly? It feels more like unlocking an IRL expansion pack. And spoiler: it’s way more fun than I expected.

Been using mine for a while now, and lemme tell you — if you like chill games, customizing literally everything, and just vibing, you’re gonna LOVE this thing. cricut explore 3

Let’s get into it.

First Impressions: Fancy Loot Box Vibes

No joke, opening the Cricut Explore 3 box felt like pulling a mythic drop.

It’s sleek. It’s shiny. It kinda looks like it should transform into a tiny robot friend.
Setup was ridiculously easy too — download the Design Space app, plug the machine in, update some stuff… boom, done. Took like 20 minutes, and that includes me getting distracted halfway through scrolling Reddit.

They even give you a starter project so you can test it out without feeling like you’re defusing a bomb. (Bless.)

Pro tip: Keep the manual handy, even if you think you’re a pro. It’s not hard to figure out, but there’s definitely a few “uhhhh what button do I press now” moments at first. cricut explore 3

What the Cricut Explore 3 Actually Does (for Normal People)

Okay, real talk: before I bought this thing, I legit had NO idea what a Cricut even did.
“Is it like a printer? A laser cutter? A tiny crafting wizard??” (Answer: kinda all three.)

Basically, the Explore 3:

Cuts paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardboard, stickers, all that good stuff

Draws detailed designs with special pens

Scores lines so you can fold cool 3D stuff

Works with something called “Smart Materials” so you don’t even need a mat half the time (game changer)

It’s like when you finally unlock crafting in a survival game and realize, “Ohhh this opens up EVERYTHING.”

If you love: customizing characters, building towns, designing houses, hoarding cute items in games… bro. You’re gonna vibe HARD with this machine. cricut explore 3

Speed, Power, and Occasional “What the Heck” Moments

Let’s talk numbers for my stats nerds:

2x faster than the older Explore models

Cuts up to 13 inches wide and 12 feet long (TWELVE. FEET.)

Handles a whole bunch of materials like a champ

In regular human words? It’s fast enough that you won’t be rage-quitting over a simple project.
I made a full set of Animal Crossing stickers in less than an episode of Bluey. (Don’t judge, Bluey slaps.)

Minor annoyances:

It’s not “stealth mode” quiet — more like “I’m working over here!” background noise. cricut explore 3

Crosscut’s app (Design Space) can be a little… moody. Sometimes it freezes like an old-school Flash game.

Smart Materials are cool but kinda pricey, so use them for bigger projects where it’s actually worth it.

Stuff I Made (And Stuff You 100% Should Too)

You know that feeling when you finally build your dream house in The Sims?
Making stuff with the Explore 3 feels EXACTLY like that.

Here’s what I’ve made so far:

Retro gamer T-shirts (Mario, Zelma, Pokemon — you know, the classics)

Laptop decals (currently rocking a Star dew Valley chicken and a very angry Kirby)

Custom birthday cards that somehow look way too professional?? cricut explore 3

A massive Breath of the Wild poster that now takes up half my bedroom wall

Some dumb/fun ideas you could totally steal:

DIY D&D character sheets that look like ancient scrolls

Custom controller skins so your PSI looks fresh

Cosplay props on a budget

Achievement unlocked stickers for your gaming squad

Basically, if you can dream it, you can probably Cricut it.

Learning Curve: Not As Scary As It Looks

Full disclosure: I was TERRIFIED I’d screw something up.
Spoiler: you will. But it’s fine. It’s part of the process.

The Design Space app is pretty beginner-friendly — way more Stardew Valley than Elden Ring in terms of difficulty.
And YouTube? Absolute gold mine. You can find a tutorial for literally ANYTHING.

Stuff I messed up early on:

Forgot to mirror iron-on designs = ruined a whole T-shirt (F)

Used the wrong blade on thick card stock = snapped it (double F)

Didn’t weed carefully = lanky looking stickers

But honestly? After like 2-3 projects, you start feeling like a pro crafter. Or at least a semi-competent wizard. cricut explore 3

Is Cricut Explore 3 Good for Casual Gamers?

Short answer: hell yes.

Long answer: If you love the chill satisfaction of building, creating, and decorating in games like Animal Crossing, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, or even something like Townscaper… you’re gonna absolutely crush it with the Explore 3.

It taps into that same cozy, creative energy.
Zero boss fights. Zero timers. Just pure, vibe-based progression.

If you:

…then maybe stick to faster-paced hobbies. (Or use the Cricut while you wait for your Fortnight match to load.)

Quick Tips for Total No obs (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)

Buy the tool kit. Especially the weeding tool. Your fingernails aren’t ready for this life.

Test cuts are your friend. Don’t ruin your materials.

Smart Materials are cool, but regular vinyl + a mat is way cheaper if you’re broke like me sometimes.

Use grisliness in Design Space. They’re a lifesaver when you’re trying to center stuff.

Save your scraps. You can make mini-stickers, tiny labels, or just flex that no-waste lifestyle. cricut explore 3

Cricut Explore 3 vs. Other Crickets: Should You Care?

Honestly? If you’re a casual crafter, the Explore 3 hits the sweet spot.

Better than the Explore Air 2: faster, easier, smarter

Cheaper than the Maker 3: unless you NEED to cut leather or wood, you’re good

Less scary than a Critic Joy: because it handles bigger stuff without needing “tiny baby mat hacks”

Unless you’re trying to start a professional Betsy shop or something, the Explore 3 is chef’s kiss perfect.

Final Thoughts: Would I Buy It Again?

Getting the Cricut Explore 3 was like finding a whole new skill tree in real life.
It’s cozy. It’s creative. It’s lowkey addicting. And it’s insanely satisfying to hold something you made yourself.

Yeah, it costs a bit upfront (machine + materials = RIP wallet for a minute), but once you start cranking out shirts, posters, and stickers, you feel like a dang crafting god.

If you’ve ever thought, “Man, I wish I could make cooler stuff,” this is 100% your sign to dive in.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make a Minecraft-themed hoodie. Because why NOT.

cricut explore 3